Holliman denied motion for new trial

Brian Holliman, serving a life sentence for the 2008 shotgun murder of his wife, Laura-Lee Godfrey Holliman, was denied a motion for a new trial Thursday in Lowndes County Circuit Court.

Holliman''s attorney, Steve Farese, had appealed Holliman''s guilty verdict, arguing that a change of venue should have been granted for the trial.

Judge J. Lee Howard, who heard the case, ruled the verdict would stand.

Howard denied a change of venue on Nov. 30, when jury selection for the trial began. Holliman was found guilty in December.

Farese had filed a change of venue motion before the trial, arguing that Holliman could not receive a fair trial in Lowndes County because of pretrial publicity. Howard decided to let the juror-vetting process determine whether or not to move the trial.

During the trial, District Attorney Forrest Allgood argued Holliman was enraged that his wife wanted to leave him.

Farese argued that Laura Holliman was suicidal and the 12-gauge shotgun went off accidentally as the couple argued.